Industry News & Facts – Jamaica Tourist Board

Historic Week for Jamaica’s Tourism as Minister Bartlett to be Honoured on Three Continents in Five days

Demar Cornwall — Tue, 22 Sep 2026 17:48:38 +0000

Global recognitions and high-level engagements underscore Jamaica’s growing influence in shaping the future of tourism

KINGSTON; Jamaica; Tuesday September 22, 2026: Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, will receive major global recognition in North America, Europe and Africa from September 23-26, 2026, while contributing to conversations on tourism resilience, sustainability, innovation and international cooperation.

During the 81st United Nations General Assembly High-Level Week in New York, Minister Bartlett will be named among the 100 African Diaspora Personalities of Global Influence, in recognition of his contribution to tourism resilience, global tourism development and Africa-Caribbean partnerships.

On September 25, Minister Bartlett will co-chair the World Economic Forum Beyond Tourism Day Forum at WEF Headquarters in Geneva, where government leaders, global CEOs and investors will examine tourism’s role in economic resilience, investment and innovation. He will help lead discussions among international policymakers and business leaders that will be broadcasted globally through WEF platforms.

On September 26, Minister Bartlett will receive the PYNE Award for Tourism Icon in Maputo, Mozambique, recognising his work to strengthen tourism and economic ties between Africa and the Caribbean and his role in establishing the Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Centre (GTRCMC).

The Minister noted that tourism has evolved beyond its traditional role as an economic sector and is increasingly recognised as a vehicle for economic development, job creation, investment, cultural diplomacy and international cooperation.

“Jamaica is a small island, but our ideas, our partnerships and our ambition for tourism have global relevance. I am humbled by the recognition that is a global win for our island,” said Minister Bartlett.

The engagements will strengthen Jamaica’s visibility among global policymakers, investors and media, and advance Brand Jamaica’s contribution to the global tourism conversation.

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ABOUT THE JAMAICA TOURIST BOARD

The Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB), founded in 1955, is Jamaica’s national tourism agency based in the capital city of Kingston. JTB offices are also located in Montego Bay, Miami, Toronto and London. Representative offices are in Berlin, Madrid, Milan, Amsterdam, Mumbai, Tokyo and Paris.

Jamaica is home to some of the world’s best accommodations, attractions and service providers that continue to receive prominent global recognition. In 2025, TripAdvisor® ranked Jamaica as the #13 Best Honeymoon Destination, #11 Best Culinary Destination, and #24 Best Cultural Destination in the World. In 2024, Jamaica was declared ‘World’s Leading Cruise Destination’ and ‘World’s Leading Family Destination’ for the fifth consecutive year by the World Travel Awards, which also named the JTB the ‘Caribbean’s Leading Tourist Board’ for the 17th consecutive year.

Jamaica earned six Travvy Awards, including a gold for ‘Best Travel Agent Academy Program’ and silver for ‘Best Culinary Destination – Caribbean’ and ‘Best Tourism Board – Caribbean’. The destination also received bronze recognition for ‘Best Destination – Caribbean’, ‘Best Wedding Destination – Caribbean’, and ‘Best Honeymoon Destination – Caribbean’. Additionally, Jamaica received a TravelAge West WAVE award for ‘International Tourism Board Providing the Best Travel Advisor Support’ for a record-setting 12th time.

For details on upcoming special events, attractions, and accommodations in Jamaica, go to the JTB’s Website at www.visitjamaica.com or call the Jamaica Tourist Board at 1-800-JAMAICA (1-800-526-2422). Follow the JTB on Facebook, X, Instagram, Pinterest and YouTube. View the JTB blog at www.visitjamaica.com/blog/.

JAMAICA TO HOST WORLD TRAVEL WEEK AS MINISTER BARTLETT ADVANCES GLOBAL TOURISM RESILIENCE AGENDA

Demar Cornwall — Mon, 14 Sep 2026 13:45:21 +0000

Pictured: Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett, announces that Jamaica will host World Travel Week October 12-15, 2026, at the World Travel Awards Middle East Gala Ceremony at the One and Only One Za’abeel hotel in Dubai on September 13, 2026.

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, September 14, 2026 – Jamaica will host World Travel Week, a major gathering of global tourism stakeholders, from October 10–15 at Princess Resorts in Negril. Minister of Tourism Hon. Edmund Bartlett made the announcement at the World Travel Awards in Dubai on Sunday, calling it “a statement that Jamaica is ready, willing, and able to lead the global conversation on the future of travel.”

During his time in Dubai, Minister Bartlett also unveiled the Tourism Resilience Awards, a new initiative recognizing individuals, businesses, and communities across Jamaica, and wider region, who have shown extraordinary resilience in the face of adversity — from hurricanes and the pandemic to economic and climate shocks.

“Tourism resilience is not an abstract concept to us. It is a lived reality,” Bartlett said, citing the hotel workers, tour operators, and guesthouse owners who kept the industry moving through crisis. He added that the initiative would help document and share best practices with destinations worldwide. “World Travel Week gives us an opportunity to share that knowledge, showcase our innovation and connect with global partners on solutions that will strengthen tourism for the future.”

Pictured: Minister of Tourism (L) pauses for a photo opportunity ahead of the World Travel Awards Middle East Gala Ceremony, with Donovan White, Director of Tourism and Graham Cooke, Founder of the World Travel Awards. The event was held at the One and Only One Za’abeel hotel in Dubai on September 13, 2026.

Director of Tourism Donovan White said, “Jamaica has earned its place as one of the world’s most recognised tourism destinations and hosting World Travel Week will showcase our exemplary hospitality and world class experiences.”

Minister Bartlett has invited regional and international tourism partners, private-sector stakeholders, and academic institutions to join Jamaica for the event. ‘This is where we will show them why Jamaica does not just recover from challenges — we bounce forward,” he said. He is confident that the event will showcase Jamaica’s tourism achievements while demonstrating how the country has transformed its experiences with disruption into knowledge that can benefit the wider industry.

World Travel Week forms part of the prestigious World Travel Awards that was established in in 1993 to acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence across every key sector of the global travel, tourism and hospitality industries. Today, the World Travel Awards brand is recognised worldwide as the ultimate hallmark of industry excellence.

World Travel Week 2026 will include the following official events; World Travel Awards; World MICE Awards; World Culinary Awards; World Social Media Awards; World Travel Tech Awards; World Cruise Awards; World Villa Awards; 10 Best Showcase; and Global Tourism Resilience Awards.

For more information about Jamaica, please visit www.visitjamaica.com.

ABOUT THE JAMAICA TOURIST BOARD

Jamaica Welcomes 2.34 Million Visitors as of August 31

Demar Cornwall — Thu, 10 Sep 2026 13:31:11 +0000

Island Welcomes 2.34 Million Visitors Generating USD $2.5 Billion in Earnings as of August 31.

MONTEGO BAY, JAMAICA, September 10, 2026 – Reaffirming its position as one of the world’s leading tourism destinations, Jamaica recorded 2.34 million visitor arrivals to its shores as of August 31, 2026. These arrivals generated USD $2.5 billion in earnings into the country’s economy for the eight-month period, positively impacting local businesses and tourism stakeholders.

“This performance indicates robust demand for Jamaica’s tourism product despite operating with a reduced room stock following the passage of Hurricane Melissa in October 2025,” said Hon. Edmund Bartlett, Minister of Tourism, Jamaica. “The fact that the arrival numbers remain strong reflects the resilience of Jamaica’s tourism sector and excellent job by the Jamaica Tourist Board and our overall tourism stakeholders to keep demand at this level.”

Jamaica is currently at 70 percent of its previous room capacity with several large resorts working to refurbish their products. The remaining 30 percent of properties have planned reopenings by the end of 2026 or first quarter of 2027.

Earlier this year, Minister Bartlett announced “Tourism 3.0” — a new set of objectives designed to continue to drive air connectivity, visitor arrivals, and investment, which reflects the government’s recognition of the tourism sector’s importance to Jamaica’s economy. It also seeks to ensure that more Jamaicans benefit from the value chain of the sector.

According to Donovan White, Director of Tourism, Jamaica Tourist Board, sustained demand from travelers has helped Jamaica maintain strong partnerships with its airline carriers and cruise line partners resulting in high load factors and arrivals.

“Confidence in Jamaica remains high from our trusted airline, cruise, tour operator and travel agent partners, which is a testament to the priority we place on maintaining outstanding relationships,” noted Director White. “We are very grateful to everyone helping us meet the ongoing demand from travelers who continue to seek out the unique product that Jamaica offers.”

For more information on Jamaica, please go to www.visitjamaica.com.

ABOUT THE JAMAICA TOURIST BOARD

Contact:

Lou Hammond Group

jamaica@louhammond.com

JAMAICA TOURIST BOARD APPOINTS VANCE CARTER BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT OFFICER FOR DIASPORA RELATIONS

Demar Cornwall — Wed, 09 Sep 2026 13:43:15 +0000

Former Vice Consul brings four decades of service to new role.

Pictured: Vance Carter, newly appointed Business Development Officer responsible for Diaspora Relations

KINGSTON, JAMAICA, September 9, 2026 – The Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) has appointed Vance A. Carter, CD, as Business Development Officer, Diaspora Relations, USA. Based in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Carter brings a 41-year career of service to Jamaica to help deepen engagement with the diaspora community.

Carter rose through the ranks of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) to Senior Superintendent of Police, with the final 17 years of that tenure spent on secondment to the Consulate General of Jamaica in Miami. Following his retirement from the JCF, he continued in diplomatic service for an additional six years, serving as Vice Consul, Security Attaché and Protocol Officer from 2017 to 2023, completing 23 years of consular duty in the United States.

In his consular roles, Carter represented Jamaica at official functions, governmental engagements and diaspora events across the southeastern United States and coordinated protocol and security liaison for visiting Jamaican Prime Ministers, Senior government officials and diplomats. He is a recipient of the Order of Distinction in both the Officer Class (2014) and the Commander Class (2017), conferred by the Government of Jamaica.

“Vance’s more than four decades of distinguished service to Jamaica, including years of direct engagement with our diaspora community in South Florida, make him an exceptional fit for this role,” said Donovan White, Director of Tourism, Jamaica. “The diaspora is extremely vital to Jamaica’s tourism success and his integrity, outstanding reputation and the relationships he has built across our diaspora communities will be a tremendous asset. We look forward to the impact of his work.”

For more information about Jamaica, please visit www.visitjamaica.com.

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ABOUT THE JAMAICA TOURIST BOARD

Contact:

Lou Hammond Group

jamaica@louhammond.com

Jamaica’s Tourism Resilience drives a New Chapter as JAPEX 2026 Welcomes the World

Demar Cornwall — Wed, 02 Sep 2026 17:33:09 +0000

Tourism Minister reinforces that Jamaica is “open and ready” as flagship marketplace returns to Ocho Rios

KINGSTON; Jamaica; Wednesday September 2, 2026 – Jamaica is positioning its tourism sector for a new era of growth, resilience and global partnership as the 36th staging of the Jamaica Product Exchange (JAPEX) returns to Ocho Rios on September 14 to 17, with Minister of Tourism, Honourable Edmund Bartlett, declaring that the destination is ready to welcome the world.

“Jamaica is open and Jamaica is ready to welcome more tourism opportunities,” Minister Bartlett told international buyers, tourism partners and industry stakeholders at the official launch of JAPEX 2026, underscoring the Government’s confidence in the sector and its commitment to strengthening Jamaica’s position in the global tourism marketplace.

The Minister described the return of JAPEX to Ocho Rios for the first time in more than a decade as more than a logistical decision. Following the impact of Hurricane Melissa on Jamaica’s western region, the relocation has become an opportunity to showcase the resilience of the destination, its tourism workers, businesses and communities.

“Today, approximately eighty per cent of our hotels islandwide have reopened, with the remaining properties expected to resume operations in the first quarter of 2027,” Minister Bartlett said, describing the recovery as “a powerful signal” of confidence in Brand Jamaica.

He welcomed JAPEX to Ocho Rios, highlighting the resort area’s attractions, authentic cuisine, entertainment and adventure offerings, as well as the warmth of its people, which he said continue to demonstrate why Jamaica remains a leading Caribbean destination.

Presented by the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA) in partnership with the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB), the event has evolved into a key marketplace where partnerships are forged, contracts negotiated and Jamaica’s tourism product positioned before the international travel trade. “JAPEX is not a showcase of speeches alone. It is a marketplace of opportunity,” Minister Bartlett said, pointing to the event’s direct commercial impact.

JAPEX 2026 is taking place at a defining moment for Jamaica’s tourism industry as the country advances its Tourism 3.0 agenda and looks beyond traditional markets to unlock new opportunities for growth. Minister Bartlett said Jamaica is also expanding its focus into Latin America and other emerging international markets, while strengthening airlift connectivity and increasing destination marketing investment.

“Even amid global uncertainty, shifting travel patterns, and the challenges nature has placed before us, Jamaica’s tourism sector continues to do what it has always done: adapt, innovate, and grow,” Minister Bartlett said. He positioned JAPEX 2026 as a powerful reflection of that resilience and an important platform for shaping the next chapter of Jamaica’s tourism industry.

Minister Bartlett challenged international buyers and partners to use JAPEX 2026 to deepen business relationships and identify new opportunities within Jamaica’s tourism sector.

He encouraged Jamaican suppliers and exhibitors to use the event to demonstrate the strength and uniqueness of the country’s tourism product, while urging media partners to help take Jamaica’s story of resilience and reinvention to the world.

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ABOUT THE JAMAICA TOURIST BOARD

Royalton Negril Reopens as Jamaica’s Tourism Recovery Increases Momentum

Demar Cornwall — Fri, 28 Aug 2026 13:36:42 +0000

Pictured: Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett, greets workers at Royalton Negril on the property’s reopening on Tuesday August 25, 2026.

KINGSTON, Jamaica – August 27, 2026 — The August 25^th reopening of Royalton Negril marks another significant milestone in Jamaica’s tourism recovery. 960 workers return to employment as the resort resumes operations following an extensive post-Hurricane Melissa restoration and refresh. This represents 573 rooms within the sector’s room stock. The hotel chain is also set to reopen Royalton Blue Waters and Royalton Hideaway Blue Waters on September 15 which will represent another 578 rooms with 1200 additional staff members back to work.

“The return of Royalton Negril strengthens the recovery of Jamaica’s vital tourism sector while restoring hundreds of livelihoods and renewing economic activity across Negril and surrounding communities. The reopening comes as hotels across the island continue to return to service, with additional properties scheduled to reopen in the months ahead and reinforces our resilience,” said Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett.

Royalton Negril’s return is part of a phased recovery strategy focused on safely restoring hotel capacity, bringing tourism workers back to their jobs and rebuilding visitor confidence. 80,000 hotel workers within Jamaica’s tourism sector have already returned work, while approximately 5,648 hotel rooms were scheduled to return to inventory through 2026.

“This demonstrates what is possible when the public and private sectors, tourism partners and communities work together toward recovery. It means real income and a return to the livelihoods or our most treasured asset – our people. It means visitor spending and supporting businesses and communities throughout the tourism value chain—from transportation and attractions to agriculture, entertainment and small and medium-sized enterprises,” added Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett.

Jamaica’s wider hotel sector is also continuing its phased recovery. Among the properties scheduled to return later this year are Sea Garden Hotel, Zoetry Montego Bay, Sandals South Coast and Sandals Montego Bay and Sandals Royal Caribbean.

“These reopenings are expected to progressively restore room capacity and provide more for us to market globally. It is a significant move that will support our value proposition to attract more visitors,” said Donovan White, Director of Tourism.

Royalton’s restoration program has also focused on preparing its properties for a strong return, with investments in infrastructure, accommodations and guest experiences. For the 960 employees that just returned, it represents the most immediate and tangible measure of recovery: a return to work, renewed income and the opportunity to once again showcase the island’s world class hospitality. As Jamaica continues to rebuild its tourism capacity, the reopening of Royalton Negril provides a powerful signal of renewed confidence in the destination and the resilience of its tourism workforce.

For more information on planning a trip to Jamaica, visit www.visitjamaica.com.

ABOUT THE JAMAICA TOURIST BOARD

Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism Honoured as Global TourismIcon in Africa

Joel Brown — Thu, 20 Aug 2026 16:56:18 +0000

Contact:

Sicourney Jackson

Jamaica Tourist Boar

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism Honoured as Global Tourism Icon in Africa

The recognition elevates Jamaica’s Leadership in Tourism Resilience Across the Global South

Pictured: Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett delivers his keynote address at the 4^th Global Tourism Resilience Day Conference and Expo on February 17 in Nairobi, Kenya.

KINGSTON, Jamaica; August 20, 2026 – Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett, will be honoured as a Tourism ICON at the PYNE Awards Africa 2026, recognising his global leadership in building tourism resilience and advancing stronger partnerships between Africa, the Caribbean and the wider Global South.

Minister Bartlett will receive the prestigious honour during the PYNE Awards Africa 2026, scheduled for September 24–26, 2026, in Maputo, Mozambique. The awards celebrate leaders across Africa, the Caribbean and the Diaspora who are driving innovation, youth empowerment, economic transformation and resilience.

The recognition places Jamaica’s tourism leadership firmly on the global stage and acknowledges Minister Bartlett’s pioneering role in transforming tourism resilience from a destination-level priority into a global development agenda. Among his landmark contributions is the establishment of the Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Centre in Jamaica, which has emerged as an international platform for helping tourism destinations anticipate, prepare for and recover from disruptions, including climate change, pandemics, geopolitical shocks and other global crises.

Minister Bartlett also championed the charge for the designation of February 17 as Global Tourism Resilience Day by the United Nations, helping to elevate resilience as a central pillar of the international tourism conversation. “This recognition from Africa, in the beautiful nation of Mozambique, is deeply significant,” said Minister Bartlett. “It affirms that resilience is a shared language between the Caribbean and Africa. From Maputo to Montego Bay, we face many of the same climate threats, economic vulnerabilities and development challenges, and we must build solutions together.”

The PYNE Awards Africa recognition also underscores the growing relevance of Jamaica’s tourism resilience model to emerging destinations across Africa and the Global South. As countries seek to strengthen tourism competitiveness, unlock investment and create greater opportunities for communities and young people, resilience is increasingly being viewed as fundamental to sustainable tourism development.

Minister Bartlett’s work has championed a tourism model that places people, communities, youth, innovation and small states at the centre of tourism development, while advocating for greater international cooperation and investment in the capacity of destinations to withstand and recover from global shocks.

The three-day PYNE Awards Africa 2026 in Maputo will bring together Heads of State, Ministers, business leaders, investors, youth leaders and other influential stakeholders to examine the future of African leadership, investment, innovation and tourism growth.

The honour further strengthens the longstanding Africa-Caribbean connection, while highlighting Jamaica’s growing role as a strategic partner in advancing resilient, inclusive and sustainable tourism economies across the Global South. For Jamaica, the recognition is also a powerful affirmation that the country’s tourism leadership is influencing the global conversation—not only about how destinations grow, but about how they prepare, adapt, recover and create lasting benefits for their people.

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ABOUT THE JAMAICA TOURIST BOARD

Jamaica Secures 400,000 Winter Seats from Canada as Air Canada, Sunwing, Westjet and New Porter Airlines Service Expand Airlift

Demar Cornwall — Wed, 05 Aug 2026 20:20:34 +0000

Pictured: Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett, (C) and President of George Brown College, Dr. Gervan Fearon, 2^nd R, pause for a photo opportunity ahead of the Canadian-Caribbean Tourism Resilience Symposium: Co-Designing the Next Decade. Sharing in the moment are L-R: Dr.Tyrone Hall, Head of Brookfield Sustainability Institute, Office of Research & Innovation, George Brown University, Fiona Fennell, PR and Communications Manager, Angella Bennett, Regional Director, Canada, Jamaica Tourist Board, Marsha Lobban, Jamaica’s High Commissioner to Canada and Professor Lloyd Waller, Global Director of the Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Centre.

TORONTO; Canada; Wednesday August 5, 2026 – Jamaica’s second largest source market is poised for further growth with approximately 400,000 seats that will be available from Canada to Jamaica for the 2026/2027 winter season. This marks a significant expansion of airlift from the Canadian market. The increase is driven by expanded service from long-standing airline partners Air Canada and Sunwing, together with new non-stop service from Porter Airlines, underscoring sustained confidence in Jamaica as a leading warm-weather destination for Canadian travellers.

The added capacity comes as Jamaica continues to strengthen its position as Canada’s preferred Caribbean destination, offering more choice, more frequency and more direct routings from key Canadian gateways into the island’s two major airports. “This expanded airlift from Canada is a direct vote of trust and confidence in Jamaica’s tourism product and in the strength of our partnerships with Air Canada, Sunwing, WestJet and now Porter Airlines,” said the Hon. Edmund Bartlett, Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism.

Canada remains one of Jamaica’s top-performing source markets, and the additional seat capacity is expected to play a critical role in helping the destination reach its ambitious 2030 goals under the Tourism 3.0 framework: 600,000 annual visitor arrivals from Canada and US$750 million in tourism earnings from the market. “Reaching 600,000 annual visitors and US$750 million in earnings from Canada by 2030 requires the kind of sustained airlift growth we are seeing today,” said Donovan White, Director of Tourism.

The new Porter Airlines service adds a further option for Canadian travellers, joining Air Canada, Flair, Transat, Caribbean Airlines and Westjet in offering enhanced connectivity between Canada and Jamaica this winter. The JTB continues to work closely with airline partners, travel agents and tour operators across Canada to convert this added capacity into sustained visitor growth and broaden Jamaica’s appeal across key Canadian markets, including Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa, Edmonton, Halifax, Moncton, St. John, Winnipeg and Hamilton.

“The expanded winter airlift builds on Jamaica’s broader strategy of diversifying and strengthening airlift across its top source markets, reinforcing the destination’s resilience and positioning within a competitive global tourism landscape,” said Angella Bennett, Regional Director, Canada, Jamaica Tourist Board.

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Jamaica Tourist Board to Bring “Taste of Jamaica Experience” Roadshowto Southeast U.S. Travel Advisors

Demar Cornwall — Wed, 22 Jul 2026 18:02:31 +0000

Six-city initiative will highlight Jamaica’s latest tourism updates, authentic culture and destination experiences for hundreds of travel professionals

KINGSTON, Jamaica – July 22, 2026 – The Jamaica Tourist Board kicked off its “Taste of Jamaica Experience” roadshow July 21, bringing Jamaica’s signature hospitality, destination updates and cultural experiences to more than 500 travel advisors across six Southeast U.S. markets.

Running July 21-30, 2026, the multi-city initiative will visit Raleigh, Charlotte, Atlanta, Tampa, Orlando and Miami, providing travel professionals with the opportunity to connect with Jamaica Tourist Board representatives, learn about the latest developments across the destination and gain insights to help inspire future travel bookings to the island.

“Jamaica is known for some of its powerful cultural expressions and food falls in the top three. It is therefore strategic to amplify our culinary expertise in our top source market with our top selling advisors who are champions of promoting the destination,” said Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett.

Each event will feature a culinary showcase of Jamaican favorites, including banana chips, spiced buns, ginger biscuits, busta candy and I Love Jamaica chocolate squares, along with a plated dinner. Attendees will also enjoy live entertainment celebrating Jamaica’s vibrant culture, featuring performances by the Jamaica Cultural Folk Group “Rythmz of the Caribbean,” and reggae band Askia Bakari. During these events, the Jamaica Tourist Board will also honor the Jamaica Travel Specialist Top 50 Alumni Travel Advisors.

“Travel advisors are an integral part of Jamaica’s continued tourism success, and we are excited to bring this experience directly to our valued partners throughout the Southeast,” said Philip Rose, Deputy Director of Tourism, The Americas, Jamaica Tourist Board. “The “Taste of Jamaica Experience” will provide advisors with important destination updates while allowing them to experience the warmth, culture and authenticity that define Jamaica.”

Leading the roadshow are Jamaica Tourist Board representatives Tamara Christie-Johnson, Business Development Officer, and Christopher Wright, Senior Business Development Officer. They will be joined by Dr. Elaine Grant-Bryan, the Honorary Consul for Jamaica in Atlanta, and Evette Reynolds, President of the Atlanta Jamaica Association.

For travel advisors interested in attending the “Taste of Jamaica Experience” Roadshow, please find the 2026 schedule below:

Tuesday, July 21
- Raleigh, North Carolina
- Brier Creek Country Club
Wednesday, July 22
- Charlotte, North Carolina
- Morton’s The Steakhouse
Thursday, July 23
- Atlanta, Georgia
- Hyatt Regency Atlanta Perimeter at Villa Christina
Tuesday, July 28
- Tampa, Florida
- The Rusty Pelican
Wednesday, July 29
- Orlando, Florida
- Hilton Orlando Altamonte Springs
Thursday, July 30
- Miami, Florida
- EB Hotel Miami

The Jamaica Tourist Board’s “Taste of Jamaica Experience” underscores its ongoing commitment to supporting the travel advisor community and providing partners with the resources and connections needed to showcase Jamaica’s diverse experiences to travelers.

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ABOUT THE JAMAICA TOURIST BOARD

For details on upcoming special events, attractions, and accommodations in Jamaica, go to the JTB’s website at www.visitjamaica.com or call the Jamaica Tourist Board at 1-800-JAMAICA (1-800-526-2422). Follow the JTB on Facebook, X, Instagram, Pinterest and YouTube. View the JTB blog at www.visitjamaica.com/blog/.

Media Contact: jamaica@louhammond.com

Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett Named to 2026 MIPAD Global Top 100Travel, Tourism & Hospitality Edition

Demar Cornwall — Tue, 21 Jul 2026 14:39:28 +0000

Global honor recognizes 100 leaders of African descent shaping the future of world tourism

KINGSTON, Jamaica, July 21, 2026— Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, the Hon. Edmund Bartlett, has been named as one of the Most Influential People of African Descent (MIPAD) Global Top 100 in its Travel, Tourism & Hospitality Edition — Class of 2026, an honor that recognizes leaders shaping the future of the global tourism industry. This important designation places Jamaica among international destinations at the forefront of tourism leadership.

Nominees were announced on Global Africa Day through a collaboration between MIPAD and The Pyne Awards Africa. Each year the program identifies 100 people of African descent whose work is moving the industry forward, including air travel, destination marketing, cultural storytelling, and global hospitality.

The recognition underscores Jamaica’s enduring standing within the global tourism industry and highlights Minister Bartlett’s leadership in championing environmentally responsible travel, strengthening ties with the diaspora community, and building a more resilient industry.

“This recognition is not just for me, but for Jamaica and for the people whose warmth, culture and resilience make our island the heart of global tourism,” said Minister Bartlett. “Tourism must continue to be a vehicle for empowerment, for telling our stories and for connecting the African diaspora to opportunity.”

Honorees will be celebrated at various MIPAD functions taking place October 2026 into January 2027, with Lagos Diaspora Week and gatherings in New York among the scheduled occasions.

During Minister Bartlett’s time at the helm of the Jamaica Tourist Board, the island’s tourism industry has drawn praise on the world stage for its advances in visitor health and safety measures, tourism grounded in local communities, and cross-border collaborations that strengthen Jamaica’s position as a top vacation destination.

For more information on planning a trip to Jamaica, visit www.visitjamaica.com.

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ABOUT THE JAMAICA TOURIST BOARD